Please always get the latest version of this document, from the Bible Pages web site, at this address: www.biblepages.web.surftown.se/purpose.htm
Need larger text? Go to your browser's "View" menu and look for "Text size" or "Zoom".
This site is non-denominational and non-sectarian. It is not connected to any church,
sect or religious organisation or movement. This site looks at things from a biblical
perspective, and not from a dogmatic one.
The author of the essays and articles here is a middle-aged family man in the Nordic area, without any connection to a church, sect or religious organisation or anything similar. In other words: He has no "ulterior motives". There is more on this writer's credentials and religious education, later in this document.
The goal of this site is simply that of challenging and encouraging people to get started with deep, personal bible study and then continue with that. This is important because a closer study of the books of the Bible with proper tools will help believers to gain better and deeper biblical understanding. In that way, they will find out more about what the Bible really says, teaches and means. They can then, with wisdom, use that knowledge as a guide for their lives, instead of accepting as "truth" whatever commercial religion – churches and preachers – have taught and want people to believe.
Consider what Jesus said to his disciples:
Matthew 23:8 "But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 "And do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 "And do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. (NASB-77)
It is true that Jesus said that to his disciples and not to people of our day, but those words certainly have an application even today.
Those who get started with more thorough, bible-based study and then continue with that, will come to learn things they had never known before, and also, they will come to realise that many popular beliefs have no scriptural basis or support but are instead false and not biblical at all. This applies, not only to prophecy and "end time" related things, but also to many other subjects where prevailing dogmas are often taken "for granted". For this reason, it is extremely important for believers to personally study the Writings with care and with thought, and to thoroughly analyse them down to the smaller details, in order to find out the real facts.
For doing that, it is not necessary to know the Hebrew, Greek or Latin languages (even though learning their letters and alphabet can be a good idea); today there are advanced tools that can help one to study in an effective way – see the pages es01d.htm and es02c.htm for more on this. The essay eg02c.htm supplies a number of easy, elementary keys to acquiring a better and deeper understanding of the Bible, simply by consciously and methodically avoiding certain usual errors and pitfalls.
This site does not claim to "know it all" or to be without error or to have a perfect or complete explanation to all things – it consists of an ongoing bible study that has been made public, and as the study goes on, the contents of this site are revised, and sometimes even expanded with new topics being addressed. Readers are invited and welcome to write to the author with thoughts and comments, or to ask questions or to point out a mistake if they feel that they have found one. Use the address that is shown here in graphic form:
A note: Clicking on the image in the box above does not work. You must read the address in it and then manually write it into your e-mail program's address field. (The reason behind this arrangement is that there has been too much spam mail.) Another note: The address might not be visible on a saved document, but only when you view this page on-line.
When you write, please make sure to state your own reply address correctly. All too often, people's letters contain an incorrect reply address; that makes it impossible to write back to them. Also: Many people have "spam filters" that are all too eager to classify e-mails as "unsolicited junk mail", without forwarding them to the recipient. If you do not get a reply, the reason might be that your e-mail program (or mail-server, or internet security software) did not accept the reply. In such a case, write again but make also sure that your own mail-program will accept and receive replies from the address that you write to.
Again, this site consists of an ongoing bible study that has been made public. As the study goes on, the contents of this site are expanded and revised. Others are invited and asked to make comments and suggestions and to help out and take part in this study. Readers are also welcome to write and make questions. Also: If you find error at this site, please write and point it out.
The essays at this site are not in "bible lesson" or "bible study course" format, nor are they meant as on-line "bible study classes" of some kind. Even though this site gives ready answers to biblical questions of many kinds, its main goal is providing people food for thought on a variety of biblical subjects and, first and foremost, challenging and encouraging them to get started with deep personal bible study and then continue with that.
(Many religious organisations and denominations have their bible lessons and correspondence courses which are ready-made "studies" that are shrewdly constructed and written in such a manner that they will lead the reader to conclusions that fit the dogmas of the group in question.)
All readers are urged to check all things, in the Bible, personally and with care. Here, a note of warning: The Bible is one thing, and translations of it another. Bible-translations are made by men; because of that, all of them contain bias, error and misleading wordings. Believers must know the Bible, through personal, deep study, aided by proper study tools. The page es01d.htm has more on tools and methods for study; the page es02c.htm contains information on bible software. The page es04b.htm has an easy self-test of bible knowledge. The essay eg02c.htm provides a number of vital keys to better understanding of the Bible, and points out some of the common pitfalls in that regard.
Believers should talk about the things of the Lord with each other, seriously and in depth, trying to help each other to learn more, from the pages of the Bible. When people leave biblical things in the hands of so-called "experts", "theologians" or "clergy", and do not study the Bible personally and in depth and do not discuss it with each other – then they are easy prey for deceivers.
The essays es06d.htm and es05c.htm have more on "spiritual authority" and related matters. See also the essays ea01d.htm, eg06b.htm and ea02d.htm which are about churches and the "true church" dogma. The essay ea03d.htm considers the "church eras" dogma that some preachers have.
See also the table of contents and the key-word index for this site, or use the search function.
Copying: If you want to send someone a copy of any of the pages (essays) at this site, the easy way to do that is to send that person an Internet link (URL) to the page in question. But, you can also give to others paper-copies of the essays at this site, provided that each document is printed in full and in the exact form it appears on this site, including the web addresses (page locations) and the date at the end of each essay. Always get the latest version of each document, directly from this site, before distributing anything. Revision-dates of each individual essay are shown on the index-page filename.htm, and also at the end of each individual document.
Regarding special, "printable" copies of these pages, as PDF-format papers, booklets or brochures or so – there are no such here (except some bible puzzles and a couple of other things), nor is there a need for that – simply, when you print an essay, set the margins and the text size to fit your needs and the paper you use, in the program you use for viewing these pages, and then send it to your printer. (This varies in different browsers and word processing programs. In web browsers, for setting the margin size and headers and footers, look for "Print Format" in the File menu; to set the text size for print-out, look under "Preview" or "View" in the same menu.)
Important: You can link to this site, and you may give copies of individual essays to others, but you may not republish any part of the contents of this site, on the Internet or in any other way, without a permission from the author. He retains the copyright. Also: If some earlier essay or other document or picture is no longer found at this site, then do not spread it but delete all old copies instead.
Quoting: While the author's copyright means that you may not republish material from this site, you can quote this site – provided that the citation is clearly marked as a quote and includes a statement on that the quote comes from "The Bible Pages, www.biblepages.web.surftown.se", and preferably also the URL (web-address) to the specific document that is being quoted. Also: The quotation must be an exact, not edited wording, nothing added, left out or changed. Quote only the most recent versions of the essays at this site, and do not quote documents that are no longer found at this site.
The author can be reached via the address that was mentioned earlier on this page, above.
The word "credentials" comes from Latin credens, credendus, "trust", from credo, "to believe", "to trust". (Even the word "creed" comes from that. For more on the concept of having – and following – dogmas and creeds created by churches and their "theologians", see the essay es08c.htm.)
The English word "credentials" is often used in reference to "adequate academic performance". But, in the religious world the practical meaning of the word "credentials" is that (only) those who have graduated from some Catholic, Protestant, Baptist or some other similar "accepted" institution (of religious indoctrination), are considered to be "credible" in regard to their writings – but not others. In other words: The "religious establishment" does not like those who do not agree with their "established" dogmas or creeds but instead look into the Bible in order to see what Jesus and the apostles really taught.
Again, this site is non-denominational and non-sectarian, and is not connected to any church, sect or religious organisation. Regarding "credentials" (see more on that word, above): The author of the essays here has not attended any religious institute of indoctrination. Instead, this writer has spent many years in deep bible-study, in order to find out what Jesus and the apostles really taught. The Bible is credible – but not translations of it, nor are the teachings of religious "academic institutes" credible. Again, this writer has not attended any such institute. So, as to "credentials" and credibility – this writer lives in the hope that at least some people will be encouraged to endeavour to find out what the Bible really says, instead of following creeds and doctrines created by churches.
For more on the word and concept "doctrine", see the essay es08c.htm. For more on the concepts "professional theologians" and "scholars", as opposed to "amateur bible students", see the essay es07c.htm which even shows what the words "professional", "scholar", "clergy", "laity" and "amateur" really mean and refer to.
Again, the purpose of this site is to challenge and encourage people to get started with deep, personal bible study. It is only in that way they can gain real, personal understanding of the Bible and its teachings. They can then guide their steps (life) by the help of that understanding, instead of blindly believing and following the teachings, dogmas and creeds produced by "credentialed" graduates of some Catholic, Protestant or other institute of "religious education".
Regarding "education" – that word refers to "rearing", "training". The "religious education" (rearing, training) that this world and its churches and religious institutes offer, consists of indoctrination.
A note: The root of the words "educate" and "education" is found in the Latin verb educo which was used in connection with such things as rearing and bringing up, but its primary meaning was "to bring away", "to lead forth", "to draw out", and so on. Consider this: All true, deep bible-study consists of "drawing forth" things from the Bible, trying to find out the true meaning. (Compare the Latin verb educo with the English verb educe, the same as deduce.)
In other words: The Bible is the only source of true, reliable and credible biblical, religious education. Point: The more "academic religious education" someone has, the more that person is likely to be stuck with dogmas and creeds created by churches, and to be and remain blinded by them, instead of believing what Jesus and the apostles taught.
Many thanks to all those kind people who have helped in making this site into what it is today. They have helped by pointing out spelling mistakes, by suggesting better wordings, by pointing out error, and by helping this writer to understand things better, and by other means. Without all that help, encouragement, and wise advice, this site might not exist at all.
Some of the essays and pages at the Bible Pages site:
What's new here? The latest major additions, revisions and other changes at this site are presented in the last part of the page filename.htm.
What does the word "righteous" really mean? What does the Bible say about righteousness? → eg08b.htm
How to study the Bible in a deeper way. Some simple guidelines and notes on study methods. Also, advice and information on easily available practical study helps and useful modern-day tools and resources which, on top of many other things, can help one to view and translate the Hebrew OT and Greek NT texts. → es01d.htm
How to understand the Bible. Easy keys to interpreting and understanding Scripture in a better and deeper way, by avoiding certain fundamental but common mistakes and errors in bible study. These vital keys are really the basics for objective bible study. Knowing these keys will make many things easier to interpret and comprehend, and one will see several central matters in the Bible from a new and different perspective, especially in connection with the Gospels and the Epistles. → eg02c.htm
For real and thorough in-depth study and exegesis of the Scriptures, an interlinear bible with Strong's numbers and a concordance with a lexicon and bible commentaries are not good enough; a computer bible is needed. Some facts and recommendations regarding bible study suites for computers, including tools for word search, word study and adding and editing your own electronic marginal notes verse for verse, tools for studying the Hebrew text of the Old Testament and the Greek text of the New Testament, and links for download of bible software (both free and commercial). → es02c.htm
Check your bible knowledge. A basic self-test with 15 biblical questions (with answers and commentary). → es04b.htm
Religion must not be skin-deep only. Believers must take the matters of faith seriously. → eb12b.htm
A challenge for all believers, regarding something very important. → ew06b.htm
The King James bible, the Authorised Version – is it somehow "the inspired Word of God", better than other translations, or a particularly "holy" bible-version, or the best or most exact or accurate one as some have claimed? Also: In what way or sense is it authoritative, or, who "authorised" it? This essay has some details of the story behind the King James translation or KJV, including the men who were involved in producing it. Two examples of pages in KJV-1611 are included as well; one is an image showing the page with Hebrews 1, the other is a PDF-file containing a facsimile, picture format copy of the book of Matthew in the year 1611 edition of the King James version. There are also some brief remarks on the so-called "Received Text" or Textus Receptus, the Greek NT text compilation produced by the Catholic priest Gerrit Gerritszoon ("Erasmus"). → es03c.htm
What does the Bible say about authority? Who has biblical, spiritual or religious authority on the mundane, human level? Who can speak for God? Knowing the answers to those questions is a vital key to understanding the Bible in a better and deeper way. → es06d.htm
Whom should one listen to in biblical matters, and whom not? → es05c.htm
Matthew 16:18, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it". What was Jesus talking about? What is the immortal assembly or ekklêsia which he said he would form, and where is it located? Is it an earthly religious organisation in this world – a church – or is it a heavenly assembly that has as its members the saints who have become immortals? → ea01d.htm
The origin and meaning of the word "church". → eg06b.htm
What does Galatians 4:26 mean? It talks about the heavenly Jerusalem and is a part of an allegory regarding the two covenants. Why have some preachers then claimed that it refers to some church? This essay finds the facts regarding the allegory of Galatians 4:21-31, and shows what the different things named in it pictured and symbolised. → ea02d.htm
Church eras – do they exist? Are there seven "eras of the Church", as some have claimed – "Sardis era", "Philadelphian era", "Laodicean era" and so on? Is there any biblical basis for that dogma? The question in a nutshell: The seven assemblies mentioned in Revelation 2 and 3 – were they contemporary assemblies of saints in the days of John (as the book of Revelation describes them), or are they, as some have claimed, successive "eras of the Church of God" that exist in later times and continue to our day? → ea03d.htm
What does the English language word and concept "doctrine" literally mean? Likewise, the terms "dogma", "creed" and "tenet", what do they signify? Countless preachers and doctors of theology compile dogmas, creeds, tenets and doctrinal statements of beliefs, and claim them to be "the Truth". But, they do not agree with each other. Their opinions and teachings differ, depending on their denomination and its viewpoints, and there is much confusion. So, the pertinent question is, who has the "true doctrines" or "correct dogmas"? What should one think – do the Scriptures give any guidance regarding this matter? What does the Bible say about "doctrine"? → es08c.htm
Free printable bible-based word-search puzzles, for those who like brain-teasers with a biblical connection (PDF-format, for paper-size A4, or A3 or even larger). → ep01.htm
"Amateur bible students" versus "professional theologians". Some preachers have spitefully called people who actively study the Bible on their own, "amateur theologians". Indeed, many a clergyman seems to feel that a layman should not put his or her nose into theological studies but should rather leave those things to "experts". But, is that correct? This treatise sorts out that matter, and clarifies and explains in layman's terms the linguistic and historical background of the concepts "clergymen" and "laymen", and gives the definition and actual meaning of such words as "clergy", "laity", "scholar" and "scholarly". → es07c.htm
Worshipping God. What does the Bible say about worship, when it comes to New Covenant times? Serving God is something important, for many believers. There is a custom to gather for worship services. Indeed, for many people, worship is the same as going to church or attending church. But, where does the word "worship" really come from, and what does it mean? And, what about praise and giving thanks and "offerings", and so on? In what way and when and where should believers be serving and worshipping God? → ea04c.htm
Table of contents for this site, including a synopsis or a short summary
description of each essay or article. →
filename.htm
Search for specific words, phrases or bible passages at this site. →
search.htm
An alphabetical key-word search index to the contents of this site:
1-9
– A
– B
– C
– D
– E
– F
– G
– H
– I
– J
– K
– L
– M
– N
– O
– P
– Q
– R
– S
– T
– U
– V
– W
– X
– Y – Z –
Detailed index overview
If you find any of the essays or treatises at this site interesting and helpful, please provide copies to other people as well. But before printing or distributing anything, make sure to get the very latest version, exactly as it is, directly from this web site. Important: Please quote the documents at this site – the Bible Pages – and please link to them and give copies to friends. However, you may not re-publish any part of the contents of this site, as a booklet, brochure or on the Internet or in other ways, without a permission from the author; he retains the copyright. See the first part of this document for more on this.
The address to this page is www.biblepages.web.surftown.se/purpose.htm
Please send or mention the address to this site to others, and link to these pages.
This page was created or modified 2010-03-05.